Consumer Reports Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota 4Runner article

YONKERS, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee midsized SUV earned a Very Good road test score and outscored its traditional rival, the Toyota 4Runner, which earned a Good score, in a face-off between the two vehicles in Consumer Reports' December issue.

The Jeep's ride, quietness, and interior won it points, though it was hampered by its emergency handling. By contrast, the 4Runner, redesigned for 2010, fell short on the road (though it showed terrific off-road prowess) and scored at the bottom of its class.

The Grand Cherokee is the first new model that Chrysler has released post-bankruptcy, and it's based on the next generation Mercedes-Benz ML.

"The Grand Cherokee is a big improvement over the previous model, with refinement on par with models that cost a lot more," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "The 4Runner, which still uses a body-on-frame design, is disappointing on the road. The 4Runner doesn't let you forget you're driving a truck."

Prices for the vehicles were $39,010 for the Grand Cherokee and $37,425 for the 4Runner....

Oftentimes, Consumer Reports will show a vehicle that tests out well, like the Grand Cherokee. However, the other half of the equation is reliability. IF the vehicle has at least average reliability, Consumer Reports will recommend it. Oftentimes, Consumer Reports has a vehicle that tests well but is not recommended because of reliability or if a new model, like this one, is unknown. Unfortunately, Chrysler products have not had great reliability, according to consumers who do Consumer Reports surveys (check the annual edition). Still, some people, including myself, often take a chance on a well-designed vehicle and figure if I have reliability problems, that's what a warranty is for.
Retired USAF officer, enjoy testing new cars, providing results to local media writers.